Campus Security Awareness and Crime Prevention Programs
The Office of Security and Public Safety takes the following preventative measures in an attempt to limit criminal activity: screening visitors, issuing ID cards, controlling access, monitoring closed circuit television cameras and other electronic security systems, patrolling the building and its perimeter, inspecting infrastructure such as doors, locks, lighting and alarm systems, responding to incidents and conducting investigations.
Campus security awareness programs include the placing of written theft prevention notices on unattended property in public areas, placing bicycle theft prevention notices on bicycles parked around the building and giving written office theft prevention notices to anyone getting a Graduate Center key or access card. Community-wide emails containing crime prevention information are sent to students, staff and faculty whenever an incident takes place that poses an ongoing threat to the college community. The Office of Security and Public Safety website has a crime prevention guide that offers tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of crimes that are likely to occur on and off campus and can be viewed at http://web.gc.cuny.edu/security/Prevention/index.htm. Presentations on personal security, sex offenses and other crimes, and drug and alcohol abuse
will be offered to the college community in conjunction with new staff orientation. The frequency of new staff orientation presentations varies from year to year, depending on the number of new hires. There were five such sessions in the 2008-2009 academic year. Targeted crime prevention presentations are also given to individual departments when there are specific crime or safety related issues effecting that department. Arrangements can be made for specialized group presentations and individual consultation or counseling via the Office of Security and Public Safety (Room 9117, 817-7761).
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
Actual and attempted violent crime, including sex crime is virtually unknown on campus. However, the possibility cannot be excluded. Accordingly, use general prudence, avoid isolated areas, and report suspicious observations to Security (7777).
On Campus
While on-campus purse snatchings are unknown and pickpocketing is rare, the theft of
unattended laptop computers, purses, pocketbooks, and wallets and their contents is not unheard of.
Under no circumstances should cash, credit cards, garments, or other valuables be left unattended or
in offices or furniture - nor should office or furniture locks be relied upon.
Off Campus
Local area crime is not within the Graduate Center's jurisdiction but it maintains
liaison with the police and a neighborhood association to monitor trends and exercise influence.
General rules of urban area prudence must be applied day and night including:
- Avoid under populated or dark areas.
- Keep distant from building lines particularly avoiding empty storefronts.
- Cross the street rather than walk under construction scaffolding or through confined routes particularly during hours of darkness.
- Use corner rather than mid-block subway entrances.
- Be alert to street "scams" (e.g. clustered bystanders, unsolicited help with "accidental" spills, feigned distress, dropped money, or other opportunities for profit through "good faith" deposits, gambling, winning ticket cashing or other unusual or illicit enterprises).
- Consider that jewelry, luggage, furs, cameras, camcorders, cash and other conspicuous valuables including expensive portfolios and briefcases may increase robbery risks.
- Wear or hold pocketbooks and equipment straps so that they quickly release in the event of an attempted snatch by running or mobile persons: Wearing them across the body, around the neck or wound around the hand exposes the wearer to the risk of serious injury.
Bicycles - Bicycle racks have been provided by the 34th Street Partnership and are located outside the building on 34th Street, 35th Street, and Fifth Avenue. The Graduate Center is not responsible for bicycles left at these racks. Bicycles not having motorcycle-grade locks and chains or “U” type heavy-duty bicycle locks are at greater risk. Always lock your bicycle securely, whether you are gone for a few minutes or a few hours. Use a U-lock, securing both wheels and the frame to a stationary object such as a post, fence, tree, or bike rack. For extra security, add a chain or cable with a good padlock. Always park your bike where it can be easily seen.
Elevators - When waiting for an elevator, stand away from the door to avoid being pushed inside by someone near, but unseen. Do not get on an elevator occupied by a person or persons who make you feel uneasy. If you begin to feel uncomfortable, get off at the next floor. Always stand near the control panel and the emergency phone. If you are accosted in an elevator hit the alarm button and as many floor buttons as possible so the elevator will stop and the doors will open.
Laptops - Treat your laptop as though it was cash. If you would not place a hundred dollar bill on your desk while out to lunch, do not do it with a laptop either. Always secure your laptop in a locked desk or cabinet when not in use. When traveling in a car, do not leave your laptop on the seat next to you, keep it out of sight in the trunk or place it under the passenger seat. If you park your vehicle and cannot take the laptop with you, make sure that it is locked in the trunk prior to reaching your destination. Be alert to unfamiliar persons in your work area and immediately report suspicious persons to the Office of Security & Public Safety at x7777.
Data
Back up data files frequently and keep copies separate and secure. Carefully follow Information
Technology guidelines for passwords, anti-virus protection, and data backup. Data transmitted over the Internet
or other networks filed on networked computers may be subject to interception/intrusion, inspection,
manipulation, or destruction by sophisticated remote attack or equipment malfunction. The preparation,
filing, or transmission of credit card, banking, proprietary, personal, or other sensitive information should
be limited to home computers and such commercial on-line services as may provide satisfactory security
assurances: The Graduate Center does not offer such assurances and will not assume liability for any losses or
damages.
Promptly report any data or computer irregularities, including virus detections, to the Office of Information
Technology at 1-212-817-7350 or, after hours, to the Office of Security and Public Safety at 1-212-817-7777.
Pickpocket Theft Prevention - Do not be distracted by strangers seeking directions. Be wary when someone tells you that there is something on your clothing such as a condiment when you have not come from an eating establishment. Do not carry valuables in a shoulder bag and do not let the bag hang behind you. Keep the flap to the purse to the inside of yourself. Try to carry a purse that has a zipper or locking device of some sort. Carry your wallet in your front or breast pocket. Be wary of people who drop things in front of you, such as change or keys. Keep handbags on your lap and keep your hand on it at all times while on public transportation. Be careful of the person who shoves or pushes you while trying to get to the rear or front of a bus or subway car.
Personal Safety in Your Car - Always lock your car after entering and exiting it and try to park in a well-lighted space. Before getting in your car, check the front and back seats to make sure no one is hiding inside. Do this even if your car is locked. Have your keys in hand so you don't have to linger before entering the car and be aware of your surroundings. Do not offer rides to strangers. If you suspect that someone is following you drive to the nearest open public place and sound your horn.
Traffic
Emergency and other vehicles, bicyclists, and skaters who may be passing through red lights,
proceeding against traffic, or maneuvering recklessly probably present the greatest local risk to personal safety.
